PAGE 3 PAGE 8 PAGE 7 PAGE 10 A special The saints: Spanish Easter: we parish A hotline for nuns in the all can live mission every problem Free State forever

March 31 to April 6, 2010 www.scross.co.za R5,00 (incl VAT RSA)

Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4669 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY SINCE 1920

The editor and staff More than one way of The Southern Cross now to read your wish all readers, Southern Cross associates, advertisers, OUR national Catholic weekly newspa- per is now available in digital format parish promoters and Yon the Internet. Subscribers to the digital version of The supporters a joyful and Southern Cross will have access to the latest edition every Wednesday morning—earlier blessed Easter! even than the pope! The digital version of the newspaper appears exactly as the print edition does, editor Günther Simmermacher said. “We have introduced this service espe- Inside cially with our international readers in mind,” he said. “Because of postage costs, many Catholics who would like to receive Anger over forced removals The Southern Cross cannot afford a subscrip- The Catholic Institute of Education is angry at tion, and those who can often are frustrated the education department’s ‘forced removal’ of by the slow delivery. With the digital South- pupils from rural Catholic schools.—Page 2 ern Cross, the subscription price is more than halved and delivery is on the cover date.” Pope’s letter to Ireland Mr Simmermacher said the digital version Senior Vatican journalist John Thavis analy- will also benefit readers who travel. “Many ses Pope Benedict’s pastoral letter to the of our readers miss out on The Southern Cross Church in Ireland.—Page 5 when they are travelling. With the digital Southern Cross they need not miss a single Vatican to study Medjugorje issue,” he said. The Vatican has established an international The subscription price for the digital commission to study the alleged Marian Southern Cross is R260 (anywhere in the apparitions at Medjugorje.—Page 4 world). A package of the print and digital versions of the newspaper is also available. The subscriptions department has even America’s first black priest made available a short-term subscription for The United States’ first black diocesan priest readers who are unable to receive the news- was born into slavery and faced much racism paper for a temporary period, but otherwise before and after his ordination. Now his prefer the print edition. Short-term digital sainthood cause has opened.—Page 14 subscriptions go for R25 per month. Subscribers to the digital Southern Cross More than words will be able to download the newspaper as a Günther Simmemacher reflects on how the PDF document, to store on their computer. meaning of words change—even those used As a gift to readers, the historic memorial by the Church.—Page 7 edition published after the death of John Paul II is available to all readers (go to www.digital.scross.co.za/0504-jp2) Believing beyond seeing “We are very excited about a new chapter In his weekly column, Chris Moerdyk explains in The Southern Cross’ progress towards using why perceptions can be deceptive.—Page 16 the modern means of evangelisation,” Mr Simmermacher said. “Our website has been What do you think? praised by experts in the field for its appear- In their Letters to the Editor this week, read- ance and content; our weekly e-mail ers discuss morality, Mass and confession, NEW LIFE: A girl displays decorated eggs during Easter celebrations at a French school in newsletter is becoming very popular; and we Black Economic Empowerment, and liturgical Beirut, Lebanon. The early Christians used the egg as a symbol of Christ’s passion, death and also have a presence on Facebook. But we wordings.—Page 6 resurrection. The egg’s shell symbolises the protective darkness of the life-giving tomb, and a are still exploring more ways of reaching hatching chick the risen Christ emerging from the tomb on Easter morning. The egg’s shape, Catholics, especially young people.” This week’s editorial: with no beginning and no end, is a symbol of eternity. New life emerges from an egg as Christ  To subscribe to the digital Southern Cross, e- emerged alive from the tomb which before was just a place of death. mail [email protected] or phone Avril Mind-blowing news PHOTO: MOHAMED AZAKIR, REUTERS/CNS at 021 465 5007 SA Church ready for World Cup STAFF REPORTER ation. He called on South Africans “to pro- Sunday after the opening of the tourna- mation at www.marfam.org.za). mote an awareness of the website in their ment. “In all the dioceses and parishes of The priest encouraged the staging of HE Church in South Africa will cele- publications, electronic media and net- Southern Africa special liturgies will be cele- inter- and intra-parish football tournaments brate a special World Cup Sunday on works. The mere name of the website [in] brated that day,” Fr Dufour said. for both boys and girls. “This will be an TJune 13 to mark the start of the world’s parish newsletters, notice boards, banners The bishops’ conference is linking other ideal time to organise sports events with a second-biggest sporting event, and has other on fences, is all that is needed”. activities to the World Cup, he said. spiritual component included. Soccer fever plans in place, the head of the Southern Instead of setting up a whole network of The Anti-Human Trafficking Desk has will peak, and it should be easy to attract African bishops’ organising committee has participation.” said. However, one central project requires World Cup chaplaincies, the South African produced a striking “Red Card” poster He said some Catholic schools were also the help of funders and donations. Church will rely on existing diocesan and which is available free of charge from the Salesian Father Francois Dufour said the parish structures to serve Catholic visitors, bishops’ headquarters at Khanya House, Pre- organising mini-soccer tournaments in the recently launched Church on the Ball web- Fr Dufour said, noting that many of the par- toria. mornings, with World Cup match screen- site (www.churchontheball.com) was ticipating countries have large Catholic pop- The Family Life Desk has introduced the ings in the afternoons, followed by praise attracting “thousands of visitors”. The site ulations. theme “Families Play the Game” for 2010. and worship moments and guest speakers. includes information about the World Cup Participating parishes “will organise cele- Monthly sub-themes connected to football Various youth organisations and dioce- and the Catholic Church in host cities, brations—liturgical, social and sporting—in “allow for reflection and sharing on topics san chaplains are planning special youth including contact details, as well as spiritual the days nearest to the games. They will such as fair play, keeping the rules, and so Masses just before the first matches in each and evangelising material. make an effort at being especially welcom- on”, Fr Dufour said. “Families are encour- of the host cities are to be played. Fr Dufour said he hopes the site will get ing to foreign fans”, Fr Dufour said. aged to pray and play together, or just A 40-page World Cup booklet, titled Pray- support from Fifa, the international football The bishops have declared a “World Cup watch the World Cup games together, and ing & Playing has been compiled. It consists body, and the South African Football Associ- Celebration Sunday” for June 13, the first sometimes switch off the TV” (more infor- Continued on page 3 22 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 LOCAL Forced removals at Catholic schools MICHAIL RASSOOL Grade 11 and matric classes. from the department that they The has meant that 258 learners would be taken care of”. ESEARCH done by the were not attending school, and Also in the report, it surfaced Catholic Institute of Educa- only 71 accommodated at a school that Sotho-speaking learners were Rtion (CIE) shows that a deci- closer to where they live. Learners being taught in Tswana. sion by the Free State Department were now staying at home and At St Lawrence Primary School of Education to forcibly remove “many who are older were not per- Tswana-speaking learners who students from four Catholic mitted to register except for Adult were sent there were being taught schools have affected them Basic Education and Training” the in Sotho. The report found that adversely. report said. while some learners were sleeping The research shows that farm Despite above-average perfor- and disruptive in class and not schools were targeted because of mances, Grades 10 to 12 learners doing well, some learners were the vulnerability of the farming at Sibonakaliso Combined Farm adjusting well even though par- community there. One of the School were removed and relocat- ents were not able to attend meet- SHARPENING MINISTRY TOOLS: The senate of the diocese of Aliwal main reasons for the “forced ed to Sekgutlong in QwaQwa, ings or form part of school govern- attended a workshop on the “Seven Habits of highly effective people”, removal” of learners was a lack of 120km away. Sekgutlong also ing body (SGB). run by the Church-based Rural Development Support Programme. The funding, which is mainly used for housed learners. However, after The school was still waiting for workshop was opened with a concelebrated Mass by Bishop Michael their transport, the CIE's report arriving, the relocated learners additional monetary allocations, Wustenberg. said. were evicted from the hostel especially needed for the school's “Education policies around because there was no food. Learn- feeding programme. multi-grade teaching, learner ers decided to hitchhike along the The CIE recommended that the transport and quality in farm R771 and N3 back to their farm. issue of forcibly removing learners, schools directly impacted on the Some learners called the school's especially from farm schools, need- Hundreds attend Joburg right to the education of learners, principal who tried to get the ed to be given immediate atten- however problematic the schools police to transport the children tion and necessary action by the Alpha course were found to be,” the report said. back to their homes. Free State Department of Educa- Removing learners, the report said, “The situation caused anger and tion. It said that the removal of BY MICHAIL RASSOOL Acquisto. was a direct infringement on their The Catholic Alpha was intro- consternation among parents, learners from Catholic schools BOUT 380 people from five constitutional rights. even leading to public violence “must be put on hold immediate- duced in the archdiocese in 1996 The research also found that, in parishes of the archdiocese at Bryanston parish, which has just and a death threat to a department ly”. of Johannesburg attended a many instances, the parents of official,” the report said. The institute recommended A run its 30th programme. Catholic Alpha weekend in learners removed either had limit- At Assisi Primary School, owned that educators be deployed to Shaun Holmwood attended the ed knowledge of what was hap- Bryanston. Alpha course in Bryanston. by the Franciscan Sisters and situ- schools such as Sibonakaliso, allow This number, said archdiocesan pening or did not know at all. “The Alpha weekend was ated on a mission station, manage- Grades 10-12 to continue, and for coordinator Renato Acquisto, At the Breda Intermediate Farm absolutely stunning. I had such an ment was asked by the Depart- the removed Grade 10 and 11 shows that the programme is School, which also houses learners, awesome experience in the course, ment of Education to discharge 45 learners to be returned to the growing. it was found that the school over- but the prayer session on Saturday learners despite their excellent aca- school. Parishes represented included spent its transport budget for demic performance. It said matric learners removed Bryanston, Eldorado Park, those in afternoon really grabbed hold of learners who lived up to 12km Assisi also boasts a school gar- from their school should be given Soweto, Bez Valley and Malvern. me and has changed me for good. away. den, where parents volunteer, and immediate extra tuition to assist Alpha is mainly about proclaim- “That hall was definitely filled Internal problems such as man- a feeding programme. Their par- them to prepare for their examina- ing the New Testament as a tool with something good. I walked out agement and maintenance prob- ents regularly attend school meet- tions. The report added that the for evangelisation, said Mr Acquis- of that hall feeling like a new per- lems, unsanitary conditions, ings. At one meeting, the report rights and responsibilities of par- to. son,” said Mr Holmwood. multi-grade teaching and an said, parents voiced their concern ents, SGB members and school It places emphasis on commu- Before completing the pro- increase in teacher workload has and objection to their children communities should be acknowl- nity building, fostering greater gramme Archie Thema of led to the disintegration of the being sent away “despite promises edged and upheld. integration or re-integration into Bryanston parish described himself Church life, he said. as a “churchgoer” who was “deca- Catholic Alpha is strongly cate- dent and stressed”, but thanks to “Life in the Spirit” seminar chetical with elements of the Rite the efforts of his wife, who com- of Christian Initiation of Adults. It pleted the course two years before, MICHAIL RASSOOL the seminar is because people encounter many encourages participants to see he decided to attend the course upheavals in their lives, but fail to look to the APE TOWN'S Catholic Charismatic Renewal themselves as missionaries of the and spoke of submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in group is hosting a “Life in the Spirit” seminar Church, said Mr Acquisto. movement of the Holy Spirit with- from May 14 to 22. order to face them. “They see the dark clouds and To date, more than 13 million in and the effects of group prayers C uttered for him and other individ- It will be held at Kensington High School hall not the light behind them,” she said. people have attended the course and organisers will come along and prepare them-  For more information on the “Life in the Spirit” worldwide. As the course has uals. selves spiritually for Pentecost, May 23. seminar, contact Mrs Carolus at 084 206 5467 or grown internationally, churches “That night I slept like a baby. Chairwoman Agnus Carolus said the reason for 021 593 2866. have become involved in teaching My inner turmoil was finally over. individuals to run it, said Mr I was at peace,” Mr Thema said.

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OLY Trinity parish in Braamfontein, the Passover,” Fr Pollitt said. Johannesburg, which is staffed by Fr Kaufmann developed these roots in HJesuits, hosted a Lenten parish mis- the sermon on the Eucharist, which fol- sion preached by the Redemptorists. lowed Fr Axelrod’s explanation. South African-born British-based Re- On the final night of the mission, mis- demptorist Fr Cyril Axelrod, who was born sioners focused on the Passion of Christ, deaf and has, in the last ten years gone choosing seven stations as the basis for their blind, teamed up with his confère Fr Larry reflections. Kaufmann to give the mission. Reflecting on the stripping of Jesus, Fr Through Fr Kaufman’s interpretation, Fr Axelrod told the congregation of a personal Axelrod preached on his conversion from incident when he, as a disabled person, was Judaism to Christianity. He led a service on stripped of his dignity by the Church. healing and after preaching laid hands on “At a Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday he most of those present. was refused entry on to the sanctuary-even “This night was, for many, the most pow- though he was vested, because he was erful evening of the mission, many tears accompanied by a lay person who was his attested to this,” said Holy Trinity’s pastor, guide and translator,” Fr Pollitt related. “He Fr Russell Pollitt SJ. was removed from the procession with all Fr Axelrod assisted at the penitential ser- the priests and told to sit in the congrega- vice during the mission; people communi- tion because they did not want his lay cated with him by writing on the palm of guide, who happened to be a woman, on Frs Russell Pollitt SJ, Cyril Axelrod CSsR and Larry Kaufmann CSsR at Mass during a Redemp- his hand. the altar. This was a particularly painful torist parish mission at Braamfontein, Johannesburg. “Another powerful moment was when Fr moment for him.” Cyril returned to his own Jewish roots to Fr Cyril was the main celebrant at one of this to be very moving as they experienced he called “a parish mission with a differ- conduct a Passover meal for the parish, the Sunday Masses to close the mission. parts of the Mass in silence,” Fr Pollitt said. ence”. It was the first parish mission there explaining the symbols and significance of “Many people in the congregation found Fr Pollitt said his parish appreciated what since the late 1970s. SA Church’s football fever Conference highlights inter-religious dialogue Continued from page 1

BY MICHAIL RASSOOL THI’s Western Cape regional director. al Civilization of Love and Tolerance, which of traditional prayers as well as some original Fr Michelson, who has a long history of focuses on a need for global reassessment prayers relating to the event and sport. The N OBLATE priest has said that once fostering inter-religious dialogue and inter- of where civilisation is headed, Fr Michael booklet will be distributed free of charge. one has received the universal mercy cultural engagement, spoke of the need to van Heerden, rector of St Augustine Col- “Thanks to a Catholic-owned printing Aof God it is essential to show it to take inter-religious dialogue to a local lege of South Africa, Johannesburg, related company, we have been able to obtain the others. level, expressed in a manner that commu- the philosopher’s ideas to Christian theol- Addressing a conference organised by printing of the 100 000 copies at cost price. nities can relate to. ogy. the Western Cape branch of the Turquoise However, including the professional typeset- The priest also mentioned how, owing He highlighted as significant Prof Harmony Institute (THI), entitled “Gülen ting and distribution fees, this project will to his direct involvement with Muslims, Gülen’s view that love “is ingrained in the Movement: Its essentials in thought and cost in the region of R125 000,” Fr Dufour two young men had asked him to stand in soul of a human being”. The humanist practice, and potential contributions to said. “The trouble is that to fund it we have as their father at their weddings, which also said that the human person is the reconciliation in South African society” at barely 10% of that in the kitty at present .” Cape Town’s Westin Grand Hotel, Fr illustrated the essentials of inter-religious “soul and essence” of the universe. dialogue at local level. He said this knowledge, once gained, He therefore appealed to donors and spon- Garth Michelson OMI highlighted forgive- sors “to contribute to this worthwhile invest- ness, tolerance and dialogue, as central He praised the THI as a witness to Islam leads to self-liberation, which enables one ment”. tenets in the philosophy of Fethullah and interfaith dialogue in the world. He to see and feel the beauty, order and har-  Gülen, a Turkish humanist scholar. said it did not make sense to separate Prof mony in life—a new, “outward” way of Fr Dufour can be reached at 083 951 6522; Prof Gülen, who dedicated his life to Gülen’s humanist movement from the rest viewing reality. But fully realising the [email protected]; Box 2335, the service of humanity and whose teach- of Islam, referring to the central place that inherent dignity of the human person and Southdale, 2135 ings hold significant lessons for peace and love, peace and harmony have in the mes- securing the dignity of others in the com- social cohesion, inspired the founding of sage of the Qur’an. munity are the outcome of inner struggle, the THI in Turkey and elsewhere. He said that although the world has according to Prof Gülen. Got News? The conference, which included South much to offer in terms of science, technol- This, Fr van Heerden said, resonates African and Turkish academics, and the ogy and material advances, it is on the with “theistic existentialism” that can be Send us your former deputy minister of justice Johnny threshold of a new era of pessimism with traced back to St Augustine in his Confes- de Lange, was organised to discuss Prof warfare and unsustainable livelihoods. sions, which speaks of real freedom begin- news and photographs. Gülen's teachings and to draw lessons for Using Prof Gülen’s collection of ning with an inward turn to discover the South Africans, said Halil Yurtsever, the addresses on various topics, Toward a Glob- image of God within. Phone 021 465 5007 or email [email protected]

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The Board of Governors of St Theresa's Convent School reserves the right to make no appointment. An application will not itself entitle the applicant to an interview or an appointment. 44 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 INTERNATIONAL Newman beatification confirmed for September BY SIMON CALDWELL Church back to its Catholic roots. munity the cardinal founded in the Palace of Holyrood House. He became Catholic at the age of 19th century, and postulator of the During his visit the pope will OPE Benedict will preside at 44 after a succession of clashes with cause for the cardinal’s sainthood. address an audience in Westminster the beatification ceremony of Anglican bishops and was made a “The Holy Father’s lifelong devo- Hall, London, the site of the trials PCardinal John Henry Newman cardinal by Pope Leo XIII. He died tion to Newman has made a pro- of such Catholic martyrs as St in Coventry, England, during his in Birmingham in 1890 at the age found contribution to understand- Thomas More and St Edmund four-day visit to Britain from Sep- of 89. ing the depth and significance of Campion. tember 16-19, British Catholic lead- His beatification was announced our founder’s legacy,” he said in a Other key events will include a ers have confirmed. in July after the Vatican declared statement. “His decision to beatify public Mass in Bellahouston Park in The step is unusual because that the inexplicable healing of Newman in person confers a Glasgow and a prayer vigil in Lon- under Pope Benedict’s own rules, a Deacon Jack Sullivan of Marshfield, unique blessing upon the English don. The pope will visit Anglican beatification is to be performed by Massachussets, from a crippling oratories and all who have drawn Archbishop Rowan Williams of a cardinal in the diocese where the spinal condition was the result of inspiration from Newman’s life and Canterbury at Lambeth Palace in candidate for sainthood died. Cardinal Newman’s intercession. work.” London and pray with other Cardinal Newman, whose beati- The announcement of Pope According to Buckingham church leaders at Westminster fication was first expected to take Benedict’s decision to beatify Cardi- Palace, the pope will fly to Scotland Abbey. Cardinal Newman will be beatified in place in early May—was an Angli- nal Newman himself was welcomed to be welcomed by Queen Elizabeth The exact details of the pope’s September by Pope Benedict, who can cleric who founded the Oxford by Fr Richard Duffield, provost of II and her husband, Prince Philip, itinerary will be released at a later will break his own rules to do so. Movement to bring the Anglican the Birmingham Oratory, the com- the Duke of Edinburgh, at the date.—CNS ST THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Fr Richard Rohr OFM Vatican to study reported MOSSEL BAY visits Cape Town From 7-9 May Medjugorje apparitions Fr Richard Rohr will BY CINDY WOODEN lead a wilderness T the request of the bishops of retreat for men. Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Vatican On 10-12 May at Ahas established an international commission to study the alleged Mari- Schoenstatt he leads a an apparitions at Medjugorje. workshop on deepening The commission will be led by Car- VINCE RAYNE, PPC CHAIRMAN, WRITES: dinal Camillo Ruini, retired archbish- I am at present updating the history records of our little Church male spirituality for men op of Rome, and will operate under and all buildings and wondered if any of your readers had any and women. the direction of the Congregation for “old” pictures or articles of interest that could perhaps be used the Doctrine of the Faith. by me in the publication. If individuals appear in the pictures For details and to book, contact Commission members will include A woman touches a cross at a venerat- kindly, if possible, supply me with their names as well. www.relating.com or call Sergio: 021 790 1308 cardinals, bishops, theologians and I can be contacted at PO Box 10274, Dana Bay, 6510 (082 328 2567) ed site in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herze- other experts, said Vatican spokesman govina. An international commission Fr Federico Lombardi SJ . has been appointed by the Vatican to He said the commission would study the alleged Marian apparitions have about 20 members, but he did there. PHOTO: DAMIR SAGOLJ, REUTERS/CNS not say if or when their names would be published. However, Fr Lombardi said the commission is unlikely to make any French bishop in 1996, the Vatican statements. Their work and recom- confirmed the position that official mendations, if any, will be turned pilgrimages should not be organised, over to the doctrinal congregation. but also said individual Catholics who The diocese of Mostar-Duvno, travel to Medjugorje should be given where Medjugorje is located, estab- pastoral care and access to the sacra- lished a commission in the 1980s to ments. investigate the claims of six young Fr Lombardi said the bishops of people who said Mary appeared to Bosnia-Herzegovina asked the doctri- them daily beginning in 1981. nal congregation to study the alleged Because the alleged apparitions apparitions. He said the commission’s were having an impact beyond the work is expected “to take some time”. diocese, the local bishop asked the The commission was announced national bishops’ conference to inves- just three months after Austrian Car- tigate. At the time, Bosnia-Herzegov- dinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna ina was part of Yugoslavia. made a very public visit to Medjugor- With the break-up of Yugoslavia, je and said the Church must recog- “the question did not arrive at a con- nise that private pilgrimages to the clusion on whether or not the phe- village result in prayer and reconcilia- nomena were of a supernatural tion. nature”, Fr Lombardi said. The bish- But Bishop Ratko Peric of Mostar- ops’ conference issued a statement in Duvno, who repeatedly has ques- 1991 saying “it cannot be confirmed tioned the authenticity of the appari- that supernatural apparitions or reve- tions, said the cardinal’s pilgrimage lations are occurring here” and asked “added new sufferings” to the prob- priests and bishops not to organise lems of his diocese and did “not con- official pilgrimages to the town. tribute to its much-needed peace and Responding to a question from a unity”.—CNS INVITATION Bishop’s killer set free BY EZRA FIESER convicted of the bishop’s murder. His THE DIVINE MERCY PARISH, ST BERNADETTE’S son, army Captain Byron Lima Oliva RETIRED army colonel convict- and Fr Mario Orantes Najera, an assis- - PORT ELIZABETH, delights in God’s Mercy and ed in the 1998 killing of invites all people of goodwill to come and celebrate the tant priest at the church where Gerar- AGuatemalan Auxiliary Bishop di lived, preached and was killed, Juan Gerardi Conedera of Guatemala remain behind bars. The fourth man City has been granted parole. was killed in a prison riot in 2003. Byron Lima Estrada was released Feast of the Lima Estrada was convicted of less than half way through his 20- masterminding the killing. At his year prison sentence. He was convict- trial, prosecutors said he feared the Divine Mercy- ed in 2001 of planning the murder of Bishop Gerardi, who was killed on bishop would testify about wartime April 24, 1998, two days after releas- killings. Mercy of God ing a Church report saying the mili- Bishop Gerardi was a long-time tary was responsible for most of the champion of the country’s largely poor indigenous population. As the on the first Sunday after Easter, that is killings, disappearances and human rights violations during 36 years of country’s civil war—which pitted Sunday 11 April, 2010 civil war. peasant guerillas against the state— concluded in 1996, the bishop began starting with confessions and chaplet at 2.30pm Lima Estrada’s term was cut short for good behaviour, his lawyer said. an investigation into war crimes. with The Divine Mercy Mass starting at 3.00pm Church officials were quick to The investigation found the mili- denounce the decision. tary and paramilitary death squads Nery Rodenas, director of the were responsible for about 90% of Remember to receive Gods Special Graces Office of Human Rights for the arch- massacres. 1. Start 9-day novena on Good Friday diocese of Guatemala City, called the During the war, Lima Estrada 2. Make a sincere confession decision unacceptable. “[Lima Estra- served as a counterinsurgency com- mander and head of a military intelli- 3. Make an act of Mercy da] did not even fulfil the require- ments for parole under the law… gence unit. 4. Bring along any items you would like to be blessed. including community service.” He The archdiocese will mark the said the Church would urge an 12th anniversary of Bishop Gerardi’s Enquiries: 041 368-5283 appeal of the ruling. death with the release of a movie Lima Estrada was one of four men titled Gerardi.—CNS INTERNATIONAL The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 55 Vatican: Women still suffer HE status of women around was delivered during a session of Approximately 70% of interna- the world has improved in the Commission on the Status of tional trafficking victims are Tthe last 15 years with better Women, a body of the UN Eco- women and girls, he said. educational opportunities, less dis- nomic and Social Council which “Around the world girls and crimination and more laws against met for a 15-year review of the women are victims of physical, sex- domestic violence, but women implementation of the Declaration ual and psychological violence, continue to suffer, Archbishop and Platform for Action approved including rape as a weapon of war Celestino Migliore told the United at the 1995 UN conference on in various parts of the world, not Nations. women in Beijing. to mention economic abuse.” The progress of women also can Despite more educational Reasons for the “precarious situ- be seen in their promotion as “key opportunities, a majority of girls ation” of women and girls, he said, still do not go to school and can be found in part in “cultural to eradicating poverty and foster- females age 15 and over “account and social dynamics as well as ing development” and the growth for two-thirds of the world’s illiter- delays and slowness of policy”. of their participation in civil soci- ate population,” Archbishop However, he said, efforts to ety, the Vatican’s UN nuncio told Migliore said. More girls than boys achieve equality between women leaders of the world body. suffer malnutrition, stunting their and men in education, employ- But women and girls remain vic- physical and mental growth. ment, legal protection and social tims of various forms of violence, Regarding HIV/Aids, he said a and political rights are “increasing- A reporter reviews Pope Benedict’s pastoral letter to Ireland’s Catholics after including “female foeticide and disproportionate number of ly ideologically driven” and delay its release at the Vatican press office. In the letter, the pope apologised to infanticide”, and account for a sig- women and girls are infected and women’s “true advancement”. victims of clerical sexual abuse and announced steps to heal wounds of the nificant number of those infected that number is increasing in Asia, Many UN documents aim to scandal. PHOTO: PAUL HARING, CNS by HIV/Aids, he said. They also Eastern Europe and Latin America. “dissolve every specificity and make up the majority of those who He noted that in sub-Saharan complementarity between men are trafficked across international Africa, 60% of all adults and three and women,” hindering serious borders and sexually exploited. out of four young people living recognition of women’s “inherent Pope: I understand Archbishop Migliore’s statement with the virus are female. dignity and rights,” he said.—CNS anger over abuse What to do when abusers confess ANALYSIS BY JOHN THAVIS after all that has occurred.” BY JOHN THAVIS absolution as a consequence. It is of the same act.  He acknowledged that one fac- not up to the confessor to make In the interview, Bishop Girotti OPE Benedict’s letter to Irish tor in the mishandling of sex abuse PRIEST who confesses sexual them public or to ask the penitent also explained why the Church Catholics was a pastoral not a cases was “a misplaced concern for abuse in the sacrament of to incriminate himself in front of reserves to bishops the overall Pdisciplinary document, aimed the reputation of the Church and Apenance should be absolved superiors. This is true because, on authority for absolution for the sin more at spiritual rebuilding than the avoidance of scandal”. It was and should generally not be one hand, the sacramental seal of abortion, but not for other grave encouraged by the confessor to dis- establishing a chain of accountabili- the first time Pope Benedict had remains inviolable and, on the sins like murder or the sexual abuse ty for the priestly sex abuse scandal. close his acts publicly or to his spoken about this aspect of the sex other hand, one cannot provoke of minors by priests. Essentially, he Although the pope referenced superiors, a Vatican official has told abuse crisis, at least publicly. mistrust in the penitent,” he said. said, the purpose is to highlight the several factors that led to acts of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore abuse and their mishandling by Critics took issue with some Romano. Other Vatican officials, who gravity of the sin of abortion. Church authorities in the past, his things the letter didn’t address, such Likewise, the confessor should spoke on background, said a dis- “It’s not really correct to say that main focus was on the future. as whether bishops who protected not make the contents of such a tinction should be drawn between it’s easier to confess a murder or While encouraging continued abusers should resign; the role of confession public, said Bishop what a confessor requires of a peni- sexual abuse than an abortion. It’s vigilance over abuse, the papal letter the Vatican in oversight of sex Gianfranco Girotti, regent of the tent as a condition for absolution, simply a matter of two different did not unveil any new procedures abuse cases; and priestly celibacy as Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican and what the confessor may strong- configurations of sin,” he said. or penalties. Instead, it announced a a possible factor in the crisis. court that handles issues related to ly encourage the penitent to do. “By placing abortion in the cate- programme of prayer and penitence Some were upset by a section of the sacrament of penance. In the case of priestly sexual gory of sins reserved to a higher designed to revive trust among Irish the letter that placed sex abuse by Bishop Girotti spoke strictly abuse, for example, a confessor may competence, the aim was to place Catholics. priests in a wider context of social about the response of a confessor, want to recommend that a priest the accent on the seriousness of the “I am praying earnestly that, by transformation, one that included and not about the wider responsi- discuss the situation with superiors killing of an individual even before God’s grace, the wounds afflicting secularisation, a weakening of reli- bility to acknowledge and investi- in order to avoid the occasion of he or she is born. The hope is also so many individuals and families gious practice, new ways of think- gate priestly sexual abuse outside future sins. Publicly admitting the to encourage more reflection by may be healed and that the Church ing among priests and religious, and the confessional. sin might even be required of a those thinking of abortion as a way in Ireland may experience a season misinterpretation of the Second When a priest confesses such penitent if it would clear the name to resolve a serious personal of rebirth and spiritual renewal,” Vatican Council. acts, “the confession can only have of another person unjustly accused issue.”—CNS the pope said in his letter. “We are astounded at the pope’s Deeper analysis of the scandal, assertion that the roots of clerical including its causes and levels of sexual abuse lie in the secularisation responsibility, was left to a team of of Irish society, the falling off of reli- The Lord is calling you investigators who will carry out an gious devotion and failures to apostolic visitation in Irish dioceses HOLY SITES TRAVEL adhere to canon law,” said Maeve Join us on a to religious life and religious houses. Lewis, executive director of One in The visitation was the most prac- Four, a group representing abuse PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE Answer this call by joining tical initiative announced in the survivors in Ireland. with Fr JOSEPH WILSON papal letter. But because such inves- Ms Lewis and others identify a The Franciscans tigations are confidential, the move “culture of secrecy” inside the as your spiritual director The Franciscans disappointed those who have called Church as a primary cause of the 6-18 SEPTEMBER 2010 for greater transparency by Church scandal. The pope sees the Church For information, write to: leaders on the sex abuse issue. weakened by developments that, at Organised by Debbie Dodd Franciscan Vocations Director The reaction to the pope’s letter least in part, came from the outside. Call Elna at 082 9750034 PO Box 914-1192, Wingate Park, Pretoria, 0153 among Irish Catholics appeared to Contact: 082 4091457 It’s not the first time the pope E-Mail: [email protected] be mixed. In several ways, the pope has explored this theme. In the made a positive impact: United States in 2008, he spoke of  He specifically said the shame sex abuse in the Church in the con- and betrayal justly felt by Irish text of “the degrading manifesta- Catholics was not only about sexual tions and the crude manipulation of abuse by priests but also at “the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt sexuality so prevalent today” and with them”. The bishops’ response the erosion of fundamental moral was “often inadequate”, and values in society. Digital version now available involved “serious mistakes”. The way the pope views the  He put himself in the place of problem helps explain the measures Ideal for Catholics who travel or live overseas, the digital Southern Cross victims to an extent not seen before he outlined for the Church in Ire- in a public document. He land, including a year-long period on the Web looks exactly like the print edition, right down to the paging. empathised with their emotional of prayer and penitential practices, suffering and loss of dignity, their and a nationwide “mission” of Great savings for international subscribers! frustration when Church authorities retreats and spiritual reflection for wouldn’t listen to their accusations, bishops, priests and religious. Receive the latest issue every Wednesday on the Web and the feeling of “no escape” Those initiatives may strike some among those who resided in as beside the point, but they reflect Catholic institutions. the pope’s belief that the damage Our subscription He recognised how deep their done by the sex abuse scandal ulti- OUROUR FREEFREE GIFTGIFT resentment still runs when he said, mately requires a spiritual remedy, rates “I know some of you find it difficult and not just new policies and penal- PRINT ISSUE even to enter the doors of a church ties.—CNS TOTO ALLALL READERSREADERS R285 annual (SA only) DIGITAL ISSUE Our historic Pope will meet with abuse victims R260 annual (anywhere) special edition BY CINDY WOODEN occur quietly and in an atmos- PRINT/DIGITAL PACKAGE published phere of prayer without a public on the death of N his letter to Irish Catholics, R455 annual (SA only) announcement ahead of time, said Pope John Paul II Pope Benedict promised to meet Vatican spokesman Fr Federico TRAVELLING? Ivictims of clerical sexual abuse, Lombardi SJ. IN but the Vatican said it would not “For the pope, these are not Take out a short-term subscription turn such a meeting into a media media events. They are human to the digital Southern Cross for DIGITAL event. and spiritual encounters. While only R25 per month Like similar meetings the pope they are significant, you should FORMAT has had with victims in the United not expect them to be announced Contact Avril at 021 465 5007 or States and in Australia, a potential and propagandised,” Fr Lombardi [email protected] Go to www.digital.scross.co.za/0504-jp2 meeting with Irish victims would told reporters.—CNS 66 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 LEADER PAGE

The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive preference. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special LETTERS TO circumstances and at the Editor’s discretion. Name and address of the writer THE EDITOR must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered. Editor: Günther Simmermacher Many Catholics have ex- God is indeed the author of life pressed deep concern for the lack of morality inherent in the cur- Mind-blowing news ORALITY dialogue is being of 1996 guarantees the right to life rent Termination of Pregnancy Mcalled for, especially at a in Section 11. During his homily Act as promulgated by our parlia- ITHOUT his resurrec- believed proceeded to propa- political level. at Holy Mass prior to the culture of ment. tion from the dead, gate the news of the Risen Having partaken in the culture life campaign procession to Con- I wonder if many non-Catholics WJesus of Nazareth Christ, at a time when doing so of life campaign of Johannesburg stitutional Hill in March, Arch- would also find it in their hearts to probably would have been a was enormously dangerous. archdiocese, I had time to reflect bishop Buti Tlhagale reminded respect and accept the dialogue minor footnote in local The new religion grew on morality. Johannesburg Catholics that “God result? Jerusalem history, one of many quickly. Before too long, the The South African Constitution is the author of life”. Allan Sauls, Johannesburg temporary would-be messiahs Roman occupiers built a pagan who came to an inglorious end. temple above Calvary to dis- Without the resurrection, suade the local Christians from Communion while in a state of priests, religious, lay ministers there would have been no praying at the site of the cruci- A time to pray serious sin is sacrilegious. and others are named, but no Church. After the execution of fixion and resurrection. Of HE letter of Benedict van There are people who are bishop. Does this say that an ini- Jesus, the dispirited disciples course, this was a miscalcula- TRooyen “No confessions” deprived of the sacraments asking: tiative representing English- had started to make plans to tion: the temple pointed future (March 10-16) refers. “Why does the Church not allow speaking Cath-olics worldwide return to their old lives in generations of Christians to It seems something or someone me?” They are not anxious about can be disregarded by our bish- has created the wrong impression, Galilee (the only non-Galilean the location of the events it making a good confession, but ops? of the Twelve had by then about confessions during Mass, in they would like the privilege of The proposed texts claim to be was meant to conceal. the mind of Mr van Rooyen. committed suicide). Some, like receiving holy Communion; just faithful to the “original”, that is, We cannot overestimate the People who attend Mass should like the rest. to the Tridentine liturgy. The vast Thomas, had already split, awe with which the very first give 100% attention to their par- One should observe that going number of bishops voting at Vati- receiving the news that Christ Christians received the news of ticipation in Mass. The movement to confession just to get rid of can II agreed that that liturgy was was alive later, much to his the risen Christ (never mind of of people during Mass would be one’s sins is no good either. We in need of serious reform. Are we incredulity. actually encountering him). distracting to others. No reading must have true contrition, do our now being told to reject the It was the discovery of the Indeed, we may be somewhat The Southern Cross; no saying of penance, and learn to do our best teachings of Vatican II? open tomb by Mary Magdalen, blasé about it, because for most “your” rosary—Mass is not the not to repeat our sins. The Tridentine liturgy was Mary, mother of James, and of us the resurrection is an time for personal devotion; and no Bishop emeritus Everard Baay reformed because it was condi- Salome that changed every- annual event. But we must not reading of the parish newsletter. SCJ, Port Elizabeth tioned by the age in which it thing. The disciples began to Maybe the Johannesburg parish arose, the heyday of the Counter- become casual about the mean- Mr van Rooyen visited has a priest understand the puzzling ing of Christ’s violent death BEE is unjust Reformation. In that turmoil, it prophecies of Jesus; with the in charge who knows and under- departed from the more open tra- and resurrection for humanity. OUR front-page report of resurrection, the puzzle fell stands the above, good for him! ditions of the early Church, the Because of it, we have the As for “making a perfect act of March 10-16 “Don’t dump BEE into place. Y Fathers, and the Ages of Faith. choice of spending eternity in contrition”, this is no substitute yet’”refers. The birth and death of The four centuries following the presence of God. for the sacrament of reconcilia- I understand that Black Eco- Trent in the Catholic Church Christ are easy to understand. That notion is awe-inspir- tion (confession), though it could nomic Empowerment legislation These events, the beginning have been called by some a ing. Christ died and rose from be a cop-out. was promulgated to right the “drought of the Holy Spirit”. The and the end of a life, are com- the dead so that even the most Gus Ratering, Benoni inequalities of the past. The Reformers spoke very strongly mon to every human being abject of sinners may have the inequalities of the past were race- about the role of the Spirit in the that has breathed on this earth. S Benedict van Rooyen correct- opportunity of being ly observed, people do not go based, but this legislation is no less living faith of each believing Some may quibble about the A so, and cannot be justified. redeemed, as Jesus promised to confession during Sunday Mass. heart, free access to the Scripture, details, but it is not far-fetched He quotes a senior Catholic as I served on a university lecturer and the unmerited gift of salva- to believe that Jesus was born while he was on earth. selection panel. The applicant that At the core of the Church’s saying some people might make a tion available freely to all. in humble circumstances and had to be recommended as a result The counter-reformation con- mission is the mind-blowing perfect act of contrition; but if died a violent death. The resur- people have committed big sins, of BEE considerations was far from centrated on central authority, knowledge that every human rection is more difficult to how do they repent for them? the best applicant for the job, so obedience, devotions and works. believe. People don’t tend to being can attain salvation Would they ever confess them students were the ones to suffer, There was no real freedom of rise from the dead. through Christ. This is good later? and academic excellence took a scriptural research in the Catholic Remarkably, the late Jewish- news for those of us striving to An act of contrition, which is a back seat. Church until Divino afflante Spiri- live as virtuous a life as we can. prayer inspired by love of God or Another instance: a local small tu of Pius XII. Orthodox Rabbi and theolo- businessman does not need gian Professor Pinchas Lapide But it is also alarming news the fear of his punishments, could John XXIII convened Vatican because even the most repug- be part of but not a substitute for municipal or government support II to “open the windows to the argued that of all the extraordi- and so does not need BEE compli- nary events described in the nant individuals can be saved. the sacrament of reconciliation; Wind, the Holy Spirit”, and its neither is the Confiteor, or the ance, but now businesses that do more than 2 000 bishops worked gospels, the resurrection is like- Even Adolf Hitler, with his penitential part of the Mass. need compliance are saying that in unanimity as never before. ly to be based in fact—the final breath, might genuinely they cannot use him. He is facing have sought redemption. In his All serious sins must be con- The new liturgists are telling resuscitation of the dead by fessed, but many people make closure and another 25 black work- mercy, the Church teaches, us to reject the changes brought God is part of Jewish belief. themselves think that sins are not ers will be jobless. These are the about by opening the windows to However, like the noted scrip- God would have had mercy on serious as long as they have not real consequences of this unjust this Wind. They are asking us to ture scholar Paula Frederiksen, Hitler’s soul (in the event, it is committed murder. legislation. stop believing that the Spirit of also a Jew, he held that the unlikely that Hitler gave God Priests usually keep special We need a slogan: “Proudly Christ is active today in every apostles did not link the resur- any thought at all). times for hearing confessions but Non-racist and Non-BEE Compli- believing heart, leading each one rection to Christ being the Something quite incredible few people seem to come. It is the ant.” to a unique, true, personal rela- Messiah. happened in Jerusalem that example of Catholics not making Dr Bernard Cole, tionship with our Father, Jesus Nevertheless, something Passover weekend almost 2 000 use of this sacrament that makes Krugersdorp and the Holy Spirit. absolutely staggering must years ago. And because of it, people lose interest in forgiveness. ROAD-BASED BEE is an essen- They want the Church to be have had happened after Jesus’ something incredible is hap- This also leads to denial of sin- tial step towards the goal of again as it was after Trent, before ful behaviour. Even the risk of hell B crucifixion to explain the fer- pening every day. That is what achieving economic equality, Vatican II. They are telling us to for all eternity does not frighten according to the Catholic Parlia- stand back from our rediscovered vour with which those who we celebrate at Easter. them. They free their conscience mentary Liaison Office (CPLO). belief in the baptismal gifts: our from any awareness of sin. They Obnoxious legislation based on priestly, prophetic and royal mis- think that as long as they receive Would Catherine Elizabeth of Namibia racism (BEE Act of 2003-4) and sion in Christ’s Church. the Host, God will forgive them. please get in touch with the Editor. immorality (abortion) has been They are verifying again what They forget that receiving Holy passed despite the presence of the Chesterton saw in the conserva- CPLO. Is their presence serving tive faithlessness of the 1920s: any purpose? “Let beliefs fade fast and fre- Has the South African Catholic quently if you want institutions ATTORNEYS NOTARIES CONVEYANCERS Bishops’ Conference changed its to remain the same”. policy on racism in order to Denis Barrett, Boksburg www.ohagan.co.za accommodate the ruling party? Samuel Solomon, Florida ‘Ineffable’? For personal and professional attention  Parliament’s vote to pass the HE new version of the Canon Choice on Termination of Pregnancy of the Mass refers. Please allow us to help you with T Act of 1996, which legalised abor- What on earth does “ineffable”  Estate and financial planning tion, preceded the establishment of mean? Translations seem to have  Wills, trusts and deceased estates the CPLO in 1997.—Editor been done by those trained in the  All property transfers archaic and verbose. Why don’t Going backwards they use ordinary English as it is Call Sharon or Sean, 011 361 6050 spoken? is not progress Sadly, I am thankful that HANKS to Sr Judith Coyle for because of my state of health I am Ther letter, and to The Southern house-bound and no longer able Cross for publishing it (“New to get to Holy Mass. Tony Wyllie & Co. wording of liturgy examined”, Agnes Porteous, Port Alfred Catholic Funeral Home March 3-9). The site mentioned (www. Opinions expressed in The Southern Personal and Dignified whatifwejustsaidwait.org) now Cross, especially in Letters to the provides passages from the ICEL Editor, do not necessarily reflect the 24-hour service missal and the proposed changes views of the Editor or staff of the 469 Voortrekker Rd, Maitland Tel: for comparison, an essential con- newspaper, or of the Catholic hierar- 021 593 8820 tribution to debate. chy. The letters page in particular is a Sr Judith notes only one forum in which readers may exchange 48 Main Rd, Muizenberg response from a bishop. In only a opinions on matters of debate. Letters Tel: 021 788 3728 small section of the alphabetical must not be understood to necessarily reflect the teachings, disciplines or Member of the NFDA list of signatures—about 20 pages—that I’ve read, many policies of the Church accurately. PERSPECTIVES The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 77

Michael Shackleton Günther Simmermacher answers your question Point of Open Language Door More than words How the rules for OTHING can confuse communication as much as words. One can choose them as sainthood changed Ncarefully as possible, shooting for pin- It is my understanding that in the early days point accuracy in its application and investing of the Church there was no such thing as a subtle nuances in its usage—and there will be cause for canonisation of the saints. Saints those who will not only misunderstand a deli- became honoured in the Church because of cately wrought phrase, but denounce the writer popular acclaim. When did the pope come for it. into the picture and reserve the right to For a journalist this is an occupational haz- declare who was a saint? ard. All the writer can do is string together Nicolette words that convey accurately—and hopefully N the days when the early Church was under- with some elegance—what is supposed to be going the cruel anti-Christian persecutions of communicated. A writer may labour for inordi- Ithe time, it was taken for granted that anyone nate lengths of time over a single word or pas- who was martyred for the faith was immediately sage. But even when the objective of concise rewarded with eternal life in Christ. These mar- clarity is accomplished, even one word can The seven Spanish pioneer nuns of the Free State diocese of Bethlehem after their tyrs were honoured as true saints and their vic- bring down the whole edifice of sparkling prose. arrival in South Africa in front of the entrance to the nunciature in Pretoria. Behind tory was celebrated in the liturgy and by asking A recent experience demonstrates what I them are Bishop Bucher (left) and the then nuncio, Archbishop Joseph Mees (right). them to intercede for the living. mean. In relation to the devotions to St Fausti- Later, when persecution came to an end, the na’s Divine Mercy revelations and Marian Church began to give the same honour to those apparitions, I had used the word “cult”. A reader who had lived significantly holy lives, especially sent me an e-mail, just signed “irritated jhb Free State’s Spanish corner in their suffering for the faith or for making sac- west”, in response to my “blasphemous editorial rifices for it. Hermits, monks and devout holy drivel”, setting me right about the threats to my Twenty-five years ago, seven men and women, known as confessors, recog- salvation and my disobedience to Church and Bp Hubert Bucher Spanish Contemplative nised by the Christian community, soon joined God in terms that confirmed the sentiment the ranks of the saints. behind the anonymous signature. Dominican Sisters arrived in the Story of Each diocese or region would have its own My use of the word “cult” apparently showed diocese of Bethlehem in the particular favoured saints until the 10th century my “disrespect, disregard and indifference to the Pioneer Nuns when, in order to prevent unworthy individuals Sovereign God and the entire heavenly court”. Free State and founded a from being presented for saintly veneration, That must come as bad news to the Catholic monastery at Senekal. In a short period of cheerful recreation in local bishops, usually in their synods, began to Church, which for many centuries has used the four-part series, Bishop their community room. impose their authority on the saint-making word “cult” (or cultus) to describe particular Such exuberant joy and quiet process in an effort to give it some formal and types of veneration and devotions. HUBERT BUCHER, explains peace radiated from their faces, I disciplined structure. This seems to have result- Of course, in common usage, that specific how this foundation came about could not help thinking that their ed in the pope being approached for approval in understanding of the word “cult” has been lifestyle—though marked by austerity cases that were difficult to settle. Pope Alexander usurped by a definition that typically evokes and how it has developed since. and a deep desire to offer themselves III (1159-81) eventually began to take over the notions of weirdly humming, brainwashed to God as living holocausts, never decision of who could be canonised and who maniacs in bizarre sects who will eventually HEN I became bishop of mind the cost—was the nearest to could not, and it was under Pope Gregory IX commit mass suicide at the signal of their crazy- Bethlehem, which covers the one’s experiencing the joys of heaven (1227-41) that papal canonisation was declared eyed leader. Wwhole eastern Free State, on while still dwelling here on earth. henceforth to be the only lawful one. Perhaps those of us who apply the word in its March 27, 1977, I soon discovered These nuns stood in a nearly 800 In order to simplify an increasingly compli- accurate usage within the Catholic context that there were numbers of Catholic year-long tradition of committed con- cated way of accumulating material in support should be more circumspect, keeping in mind Portuguese families in all of the dio- templative life, founded by their com- of an application for sainthood, Pope John Paul that the concepts of the Church sometimes dif- cese’s towns who needed to be given patriot Dominic Guzman in the early II simplified the procedure in 1983, which was fer markedly from those of the secular world. It greater pastoral attention. Some of 13th century. further refined in 1997. certainly is not desirable to plant into the read- them had not been contacted by a he following year the superior of The most relevant points in this ruling are: er’s mind a mental image of Divine Mercy devo- priest for years.  the federation and one of her at least five years have to lapse after the tees as weirdly humming, brainwashed fanatics In 1982 I finally managed to get T death of a candidate before any formal applica- belonging to bizarre suicidal sects. the help, albeit for merely three councillors visited Bethlehem, chiefly to choose the site of their future tion is made; Alas, there aren’t many suitably precise syn- months, of Fr Alberto Coelho, a Por-  the bishop of the diocese in which the can- onyms for the word “cult” in relation to tuguese Spiritan Father who was foundation. Having inspected several offers, their choice fell on Senekal. didate died is responsible for beginning the Catholic venerations and devotions. involved in promotion work for his investigation; congregation in Spain. Endowed by Although small in size, this town in the heart of a thriving agricultural  witnesses must be called to provide evi- ecently I had cause myself to consider shoot- nature with a mighty voice, and great dence of the candidate’s holiness of life; ing off letters about misapplied designations, pastoral zeal, he achieved a lot during area lies on the main route from R Lesotho to Gauteng, and is near to  all documentation must be sent to the Vat- perhaps signed “irritated ctn nw”, to the organ- the short time he spent among us. ican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, isers of an event headlined “Cape Town Carni- One day after lunch, as we were the Free State Goldfields where the Dominican friars have been working which then proceeds with its own investigation val”—which was scheduled for March 20, more standing outside, he surprised me and verification. than halfway through Lent. with the question: “Bishop, have you as missionaries since the early 1930s. Now the diocese was faced with Catholics, especially those from countries ever thought of having a contempla-  Send your queries to Open Door, Box 2372, Cape where Catholicism informs the local culture, will tive sisters’ monastery in your dio- the difficult task of obtaining a visa Town, 8000; or e-mail: [email protected]; or fax know that the word “carnival” refers to the cele- cese?” I snapped back: “From where for the pioneers to be sent from (021) 465 3850. Anonymity can be preserved by arrange- Spain. What on earth did we want to ment, but questions must be signed, and may be edited brations preceding the penitential season of Lent. would I get one without stealing?” for clarity. Only published questions will be answered. A carnival therefore takes place before Ash Hearing this idiomatic German import seven nuns for, who were Wednesday in February, and never in late March. expression he roared with laughter. going to “do nothing”—no teaching The etymology of the word is carne vale, Then he told me that he had already in school, no pastoral work in a Latin for “farewell to meat”. So unless the persuaded a number of contemplative parish? What is this anyway: “con- organisers of the Cape Town festival meant to sisters’ communities in Spain to templative”? propose that their event should be followed by found daughter monasteries else- Whether a beautiful volume with some kind of fast, the title they gave it betrayed where, particularly in Africa. He was lots of pictures, taken in contempla- a lamentable ignorance—much as does the prepared to help with finding one for tive monasteries, which I sent to the nomenclature of “Mardi Gras” to promote any the Bethlehem diocese. director-general in the ministry of event not taking place on Shrove Tuesday. Soon afterwards I visited with Fr Home Affairs had any influence I do Or perhaps the act of calling something a car- Coelho a few monasteries of contem- not know. I rather suspect that a sup- nival when it patently is not a carnival simply plative Dominican Sisters in Spain portive letter from the late Archbish- shows how words lose or change their meaning. which he had found to be interested. op of Cape Town, Cardinal Owen For example, when you are in a joyful mood, It was pointed out to us, however, McCann, helped the immigration you probably would not describe yourself as that none of them was able to under- authorities to overcome their fear of being gay, as people just a couple of generations take a new contemplative foundation yet another manifestation of the ago might have done. in Africa on its own. Roomse Gevaar. If you should time-travel to the 11th century, Following their advice, even before On May 29, 1985 the seven and people there call you “silly”, they are just leaving Spain, I directed a request to founder Sisters arrived at what was saying that you are blessed; but if they call you their federation of 43 Contemplative then called Jan Smuts Airport in “nice”, they think you are stupid (especially if Dominican monasteries, most of Johannesburg. They were volunteers you suggest having a carnival in March). which exist in that country, begging from four monasteries in Spain— There were times when boys were girls. In its leadership to consider the possibil- Palencia, Salamanca, Santiago de fact, all children were girls, regardless of their ity of opening a new foundation in Compostela, and Vivero—each of gender. We might not think of our politicians as the Bethlehem diocese. A few months which had made the sacrifice of particularly sophisticated, unless we apply the later I received word that my proposal releasing one or more members of its term in its original definition: corrupt. had been accepted. community for the daring enterprise And nuns used to be buxom long before Page I shall never forget that visit to in faraway South Africa. 3 girls were. The word once meant “obedient”; these monasteries. Meeting these Their arrival coincided with our only later did it come to signify a woman’s gen- communities, and celebrating the country’s entry into the last and deci- erous endowment of the mammary gland. holy Eucharist with them, was for me sive phase in its struggle to rid itself Language, and the way we understand it, is like one long, refreshing spiritual of the destructive apartheid policy. changing all the time. There are many people retreat. Here were nuns who had vol- The older ones among the nuns still now who use the word “bad” to describe some- untarily screened themselves off from retained vivid memories of the pain thing admirable, even as they use it also to the everyday outside world, and and turmoil the Church and society describe something deplorable. Future genera- immersed themselves in a life of deep had lived through, in their own coun- tions of children might well be puzzled by the silence, only interrupted by their try, during the Spanish Civil War story of the huffing and puffing Big, Bad Wolf, beautiful singing during the celebra- between 1936-39. wondering exactly what was so good about him. tion of the liturgy; long hours spent  Bishop Bucher retired as bishop of So with all that in mind, what should the in private study and meditation of Bethlehem last year. Next week he will Catholic Church call a cult? the Scriptures, and prayer, in their recall how the newly-arrived Spanish cells, communal work, and a daily nuns settled into life in Senekal. 88 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 FAITH A heavenly hotline for almost every problem

Bella Martha), an engineer with There is a patron saint for St Ferdinand, a grocer with St virtually every problem; all we Michael the Archangel, a ladies’ need to do is call on them for hairdresser with St Mary Mag- dalen and a men’s hairdresser their intercession, as JOHN with St Martin de Porres (unisex COWAN and GÜNTHER hairdressers presumably have their pick of any of these), a SIMMERMACHER explain. librarian with St Jerome, a When in trouble, these saints can offer protection: (from left) Antony of Padua, Fiacre, Thomas More, Ursula, teacher with St John de la Salle, N the days long before tele- Christopher, Martin de Porres, Rita of Cascia, and John Bosco. schoolboys with St John Bosco phone hotlines and call cen- and schoolgirls with St Ursula or Itres, ordinary people had to St Catherine. cope with a massive selection of the Church uses for the devotion South African motorists who But which saint should you call A journalist or author would patron saints that they could ask to saints and other pieties) could have made the acquaintance of when you have a request for a call on St Francis de Sales to fix a to act on their behalf as heavenly nonetheless continue in local the minibus taxi will be interested specific intercessory prayer? writer’s block, and an astronaut mediators. churches. to know that St Fiacre is also the For thousands of children would seek the intercession of patron saint of haemorrhoid suf- worldwide there is one saint on In fact, the Council of Trent here are still many people the levitating Franciscan St ferers. whom they call, though not nec- (1545-63) acknowledged that it around the world today who Joseph Cupertino, as would air- T St Fiacre was one of many essarily in the form of an interces- was a good and useful thing to have a St Christopher medallion line pilots and their passengers Irishmen who sought their “sepa- sory prayer request: St Nicholas of call upon these saints because of attached either to their car’s key (St Bona of Pisa takes care of the ration for Christ”. In his bid to Myra (or Bari, if you prefer). the benefits everyday folk could ring or dashboard. These medal- cabin staff). become a hermit, he journeyed to In many countries children obtain from God through their lions are not just there as some Even dogs have patron saints. Meaux in France where the bish- who have been good awake on St specific patron saint’s mediation. form of personal decoration. The A dog with a wet nose—or its op gave him land for his her- Nicholas’ feast day, December 6, Public veneration of saints is owners hold the strong belief that owner—can call on St Hubert; a mitage, located a few kilometres to find gifts left for them by the known to have existed since the their safety while travelling will mad dog will find a willing ear in away in a place called Breuil. He saint. In the Netherlands, the 2nd century. It developed in local be cared for via the intercession St Sithney. settled there as a hermit until he exchange of Christmas gifts even communities and was an outcome of the 3rd century saint whose Politicians can call St Thomas died in 670. takes place on that day, not dur- of the belief that the martyrs who name means “Christ-bearer”. More, and should consult him St Fiacre’s cult flourished in ing the feast of the Nativity shed their blood for Christ were Legend has it that one day a liberally on ethics, or they might France. Medieval England also almost three weeks later. certainly in heaven. Because of little boy asked the brawny need the next set of patrons. acknowledged him, but in his And it was a corruption of the this, they were able to exercise Christopher to carry him over to Prisoners need protection native Ireland, he was not listed Dutch name for St Nicholas, Sin- intercessory prayer on behalf of the other side of a river. A hermit more than most of us, so they as a saint until well into the 12th ter Klaas, that gave rise to the those who called upon them. had assigned Christopher the job have three patrons to call on: Ss century. moniker Santa Claus. These saints were honoured of assisting travellers across the Dismas, John and Roch. St Fiacre’s relics were moved We might not believe in Father with a special feast day every year. river. This time, though, Big If you have a toothache, call from Breuil to Meaux where they Christmas, but St Nicholas was a Over time, universal feast days Christopher found his small pas- your dentist, and while waiting rest to this day. During the 17th real person. Living in the 4th cen- filled up about two-thirds of the senger so heavy that he was for your appointment, call one of and 18th centuries, Meaux tury, he was the bishop of Myra Church’s universal liturgical cal- bowed down by his weight. Ss Apollonia, Osmund or Medard. became the centre of devotion to in present-day Turkey. His reputa- endar, even though some of these Then the little boy told Big In case of a sore throat, call St St Fiacre. Among his devotees tion as a bringer of gifts is based saints had become little more Christopher who he was—Jesus Blaise. And if your rheumatism is were Anne of Austria and the on a story according to which he than just a name. Christ himself, who told him: torturing you, St James the Great future saint, Vincent de Paul. anonymously left a dowry for In 1969 Pope Paul VI reduced “You have just carried the weight is ready to intercede. St Peregrine So how did this holy recluse three sisters whom their desper- the number of saints to be vener- of the whole world and him that is the patron saint of cancer suf- acquire the portfolio of taxi dri- ate, impoverished father was ated on their feast days to 58 (not created and made all the world ferers vers, denizens of dense traffic? about to sell into prostitution. including the Apostles, the Virgin upon your shoulders.” Unhappily married women Quite by chance, as it happens. Not much is known about his Mary or St Joseph). These 58 Jesus then told Christopher to have two patron saints to talk In Paris, horse-drawn hackney life, but stories tell of his generos- saints were considered to be of plant his staff in the ground as to—Ss Rita of Cascia or Wilgefor- carriages for hire used to stand ity and miraculous powers. worldwide, or universal, signifi- next day it would bear flowers tis—but unhappy husbands outside the hotel Saint-Fiacre. As cance. and dates as a sign of the truth of ne can almost imagine a apparently have none. a result, the carriage came to be Other saints could still be hon- the message he had heard. From celestial call centre operator And when your problem seems known as fiacre, a name that still O oured locally, but their feasts that day on Christopher is said to answering the phone; but surely totally hopeless (possibly because applies to French taxis today. would be not be applied world- have preached Christianity, right not an automated voice instruct- your situation’s particular patron St Fiacre is also a patron saint wide. up to the time he was beheaded. ing us: “If you are a florist, press saint didn’t deliver), get on the of gardeners. Many saints were deleted from Travellers began to carry St 7 for St Dorothy”. hotline with St Jude. the universal calendar, or sup- Christopher medallions because it any saints have acquired The Heavenly Hotline Call If you have no idea whom to pressed, because they were con- has been believed that whoever Mtheir patronages by such Centre would connect an adver- call on the heavenly hotline (and sidered to be legends and there sees an image of Christopher arbitrary means. Most patronages tiser with St Bernardino of Siena, have no reference work or Inter- was little evidence that they had would not die on that day. were assigned because of their a bricklayer with St Stephen the net access), then kneel down and even existed. One of these was the Taxi drivers have their own spiritual and religious signifi- Martyr, a cook with St Martha seek the aid of St Antony of popular St Christopher, patron of beneficial hotline number to cance. Some saints are believed to (hence the title of the lovely Ger- Padua, who apparently will find travellers, whose cult (the term heaven as well: St Fiacre. be the bearers of special powers. man film about a female chef, the name of the one you seek.

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This is our life and work: to look for the Lord everywhere, to live in His presence ... and to carry out His commission: to proclaim the Gospel to the poor, ... not only in words, but in active and self-giving charity. ORFORD ESTABLISHED 1982 Want to know Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini CONSTRUCTION Professional Supervision more about us? .... Project Management Contact Vocations Promoter For more information, contact the Vocation Team at Specialists in: LCM Sisters LCM sisters’ residence P.O Box 896 St. Annes Hospital P/Bag X9309 PO Box 194 PO Box 12 New Houses • Renovations • Alterations Vryheid 3100 Wasbank 2920 Nkandla 3855 • Additions • Painting • Plumbing Groenkloof P.O Box A640 Tel: 034 981 6158 034 651 1444 035 833 0033 • Property Management and Care Pretoria Avondale, Harare Fax: 034 983 2012 034 651 1096 035 833 0317 0027 Tel: +263 11 877 893 E-mail E-mail: E-mail: For Advice call Julian Orford B.Sc. (Civ.Eng) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (021) 794 5552 Fax: (021) 794 7088 [email protected] Cell: 082 493 0563 E-mail: [email protected] FOCUS The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 99 Bringing the importance of male spirituality to the fore

women’s formation because of the interwo- SERGIO MILANDRI organises cours- ven effects women and men have on each other’s formation. es on relationships for men and Mothers shape their sons and fathers women, based on the model of Fran- shape their daughters. An added element is ciscan Father Richard Rohr, who will that fathers give their children, both boys visit Cape Town in May. Sergio and girls, their identity, and since this is explains how his ministry started and dependent on fathers being present and emotionally available, this adds a significant what it hopes to accomplish. part to the necessity of men developing their own relational presence and spirituali- ty. Women, by contrast, give their children HEN asked what work we do at relationality and their communal connect- Relating.com, the answer often edness. Wleaves the questioner puzzled: we Our society is languishing for a healthy help men become men. and mature male spiritual presence. If the This might appear pointless because sure- male and female spiritual components do ly men know how to be men. Yet this is not work in unison, the whole picture loses often not the case. its shape. It is for this reason that we are Most men are familiar with the common pleased that Fr Rohr is visiting Cape Town images of what they should be and try to for the first two weeks of May. He will be live up to, but few have a sense of what real- conducting several workshops and events. ly moves a man or what state his spirituality His first workshop in spiritual direction is is in. about shaping and encouraging the calling Many men are missing a strong inner of spiritual direction. It is the art of walking authority and serenity and as a result tend beside a person on their spiritual journey to assert themselves aggressively and some- and helping them discern their relationship times abusively. with God. Our work at Risking Manhood is largely His second event entitled “From Wild about enabling men to come home to them- Man to Wise Man”, will be a men’s wilder- selves, to engage their inner authenticity ness retreat held in the mountains near and to embark on or continue their spiritual Grabouw. This is for men who wish to deep- journey. en and root their spirituality in the compa- It is about realising the centrality of the ny of a community of men. relational emotional self, and especially The third event is a three-day workshop about deepening their relationship with on integrating male spirituality in the fami- themselves and God. To this end we run ly, church and society, and is aimed at men, courses, counsel and do various kinds of women, community leaders and priests. retreats. This will be held at the Schoenstatt Retreat Men’s work is about developing men’s Sergio Milandri (left) with Franciscan Father Richard Rohr, who will be visiting Cape Town in May. Centre in Constantia. emotional maturity, about initiating them This workshop is targeted at people who into manhood (whatever their age). It is deal with men and who have a need to enabling them to get in touch with their think of it as the preserve of “super“ spiritu- assist clergy and parishioners to deepen know how male spirituality is fleshed out inner self, their compassion, their soul and al people. However, all of us have a spiritu- their prayer lives in the face of mounting and how it can be rooted in their everyday spirit, and finding their meaning apart from ality just as we have a physical body. The political crisis and distress. I joined him, lives. their work and hobbies. more compelling question would be: “What developing work in the area of relational We have been preparing for his visit by These are topics men seldom talk about. is the state of my spirituality?”. spirituality, prayer being essentially about studying his book, From Wild Man to Wise There is a sense that men should be strong If our spirituality is neglected and disen- our relationship with God, not dissimilar to Man, on Monday evenings at our retreat and stable and unmoved by relational or gaged, we will find ourselves rootless and any other relationship. centre in Hout Bay. Transcripts of the mater- emotional issues. This attitude does nothing anxious. The fact is, our spirituality is like In 1998 my family and I relocated to ial and audio clips of these sessions are to alleviate the fear and alienation many the roots of a tree. The root is hidden but America. We unexpectedly found ourselves available at www.relating.com. men live with—fearing being found inade- the tree is dependent on its well-developed at the Eastern Mennonite University. I com- With the coming events which Fr Rohr quate or weak. Hence the loneliness and root system for nurture and strength. pleted a master’s degree in formation of per- will be leading we are hoping to broaden shame that many carry. Spirituality is not an optional extra but sonhood. the work of spiritual and relational forma- This shame paralyses many men, causing an integral part of our being; it is the unseen During a vacation I made my way to New tion. them to lose their inner power and pres- foundation of our lives. And God is to us as Mexico to Fr Rohr’s Centre for Action and We are also planning to develop a ence. the soil is to the roots of the tree—the Contemplation, and did a five-day initiation resource network for mentoring and leader- Fr Richard Rohr OFM, a specialist on ground of our being. retreat in male spirituality. ship development based on healthy models male spirituality, says that when men do It was a transformative experience and of male and female spirituality. not hold their power, they abuse others n 1987 Anglican Archbishop Desmond one which convinced me of the necessity of  For more information and costs of the events with it. Tutu engaged Francis Cull to start the focusing on men’s work and particularly on and workshops led by Fr Rohr, contact Sergio All of this falls under the ambit of spiritu- IInstitute for Christian Spirituality, to their spiritual formation and development. Milandri at 021 790 1308 or ality—a confusing subject as many people develop a work in spirituality largely to This formation goes hand-in-hand with e-mail [email protected]

CONGREGATION OF INVITATION MARIANNHILL The Divine Mercy Parish, Walkerville, delights in MISSIONARIES God’s Mercy and invites all people of goodwill to come and celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy- Ora et Labora Mercy of God, The Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, CMM, sprung from the Trappist Monastery of Mariannhill founded by Abbot Francis Pfanner in on the first Sunday after Easter, that is South Africa in 1882. We believe that: “Our missionary field is the King- Sunday 11th April, 2010 dom of God and that has not boundaries!” Faithful to the example of Abbot at Mass celebrated at 15.00hr. Francis Pfanner, the Mariannhill Brothers and Priests try to be of service to the local church through pastoral, social and development works. We make our contribution to the call for renewing, uplifting, developing and sustain- Priests will be available for confessions between 12 ing the human spirit, as our response to the signs and needs of the time. In noon and 14.30hr prior to the Mass. our missionary life of Prayer and Work (Ora et Labora), we try to effective- ly proclaim the Good News to all people, especially to the poor and needy, Enquiries: Fr Stan 083 468 6985 so that there are “Better Fields, Better Houses, Better Hearts!” Edith 082 495 2879 To know more about us contact: Rona 083 450 6300 Director of Vocations PO Box 11363, Mariannhill, 3601 or PO Box 85, Umtata, 5099 1010 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 EASTER Like Christ, we can conquer death

in him. As Catholics the world over “All humanity is called to one etired Cape Town priest Fr celebrate Easter, church indi- real destiny and exists for one Ralph de Hahn believes that viduals reflect on the idea of purpose only, which is to live in Rit is in the symbol of the God’s perfection, something that lamb—Christ, the Lamb of God— “risen death” and on “Christ, will never happen here on earth,” that the Paschal Mystery of New the Lamb”. They spoke to the deacon said. Life is revealed to the world. MICHAIL RASSOOL. Worcester Catholic Colleen He also refers to scripture—the Constable said she believes that prophet Isaiah’s reference to the by conquering death Christ set coming Messiah as being like a HAT does the idea of ris- the ultimate process in place for lamb to the slaughter and Revela- ing from death to life, a people to define their destiny, tion’s to the “Lamb on the New Life, mean to Chris- citing Jn 19:28-29. Throne”, which tells of the role W She referred to the story of tians? of the Lamb in the drama of the Is death associated with sin Lazarus dying and being raised to Resurrection, meek and humble and evil that has been conquered life by Christ (Jn 11:1-44). Jesus yet a sign of infinite power, a in and by Jesus Christ? Or does it said: “This illness is not to end in very important lesson for all death, but is for the glory of God, mean that true life is about far Christians especially. that the Son of God may be glori- more than just the natural laws New Testament teaching, Fr de fied through it.” (11:4) of the world? Hahn said, sees great power in Some say that in order for meekness and humility. ut what does it mean to Christ’s resurrection to be under- It is this power, he said, which overcome death in today’s broke through the wall of Christ’s stood metaphorically, in all its world? Is there healing in meanings, it had to be experi- B tomb and which is central to the conquering death? Or does one enced literally and understood conceptualise death as only leav- Father’s work, a culmination that literally. They say the very idea of ing this world permanently, with was predicted hundreds of years resurrection has its first fruits in the hope of rising when Christ before. him. comes again? How does all of this To this day, the priest said, the Deacon Thami Zuma, a priest- resonate with the idea of the “liv- whole idea destroys the very candidate in the archdiocese of ing dead”? foundations of earthly pride and Durban, said that to reflect on Facing a living death is some- many of the values the world the passion, death and resurrec- thing everyone has to do, Ms holds dear. tion of Jesus is to reflect on histo- Constable said. “For me the Resurrection ry, especially the history of She said one has to face death means that as a member of the humanity’s salvation and what and conquer it to live life truly, risen Church I too will experi- life was before and after. for it is in such dying that one ence resurrection,” he said. He explained that according to rediscovers oneself, and in rising The risen Christ is portrayed in artwork by Robert Falcucii at St Pius X basili- “I believe we are an Easter peo- Catholic theology death is a mere from death in Christ one con- ca in Lourdes, France. ple, alive, in the air. Anyone who transit to the beginning of some- quers and truly lives life. PHOTO: CROSIERS VIA CNS believes in Christ as the Lamb of thing new. Such a thought Ms Constable, a former deputy God will see his risen form in the remains radical today. Christ is police chief of the City of Cape dishonesty, loss of moral com- to discover their own destiny and hereafter, experiencing, first its first fruits, the deacon said. Town and a policy and leadership pass and distorted principles reconnect mind, body and soul to hand, the mystery and wonder of He said Christ, by his resurrec- consultant, who actively pro- flourish inequality,” she said, God, Ms Constable said Easter.” tion, taught humanity that life motes devotion to the Divine “the gap between rich and poor It begins with the choices one The events of Holy Week, Fr de lived in the world is not a com- Mercy, said the modern trend is increases. Lack of leadership is makes, decisions one takes and Hahn continued, are all part of plete life. Nor, said Deacon Zuma, to reject biblical beliefs and the visible in various spheres of life, the thoughts that influence one’s this mystery, starting with the can whatever desire one has for a teachings of Christ. She said whether personal, professional, actions. Lamb offering himself at the Last or spiritual, and especially in “If we choose to live a life life on earth be completely ful- there is a lack of respect for God’s Supper, a total giving (“this Body, South African political life and where we are already dying, or in filled. creation, whether human, animal this Blood…shed for you”), where He cited St Augustine, who or environmental. spheres of government.” fact ‘dead’ while walking around, It is in the midst of all this shall we rise again after our last he told his disciples he would not declared to God that one’s heart “Individuality, materialism, be with them on the following remains restless until it finds rest greed, corruption, exploitation, ambiguity that each person has breath is gone?” she asked. “Christ lived a life of obedi- day, when he was delivered for ence following the will of God, a their redemption. mere 33 years of which three Thus the events of Holy Thurs- were spent promoting his King- day, he said, are a wonderful dom.” preparation for Good Friday, a In those three years he time of deep expectation, of preached, taught, healed, loved something truly great taking and prayed, fasted and exercised place afterwards—the highest leadership, Ms Constable said. possible reward for major sacri- PO Box 11095, Mariannhill 3624 He suffered death, and in ris- fice. ing showed the glory of God, she This, Fr de Hahn said, is said. supremely important, because it “So it is in the sorrowful pas- fully expresses the true meaning MARCH 27 - APRIL 4 alive. Lord today and for ever. Weekend sion of Christ that we find inner of love and redemption. “For love healing. How ready are we to die to be possessed it must also be HOLY WEEK, from supper Mar 27 (Saturday from supper June 4 to lunch June 6. now, so that we can begin a life given. In the case of the Easter risen in Christ, while living in mystery it goes to the very before Palm Sunday) to breakfast Apr 4 JUNE 25-27 the world?” extremities of sacrifice,” he said. (Easter Sunday): Mgr Paul Nadal “Caritas Veritate” Papal 1. The Paschal Mystery Encyclical Letter of Pope Benedict XVI. English: Fr Chris Neville OFM Love as personal gift, love as social gift. Zulu: Fr Michael Gumede OFM Weekend from supper June 25 to lunch 27. 2. Dives in Misericordia: On “The Mercy JUNE 27-JULY 05 of God” by John Paul II and St Faustina Fr Urs Fischer & Team: 7-Day Guided Presented by Fr Urs Fischer CMM Retreats, from supper June 27 to breakfast

APRIL 30 - MAY 2 July 05 A statue of the Risen Christ, Mgr Paul Nadal: “Jesus Christ I” Son of JULY 16-18 started by God, Son of Man, Sign of contradiction. “The heart of the Mat- Michelangelo Fr Pierre Lavoipierre: but completed Weekend from supper Apr 30 to lunch May ter” Lord, you know me, see me, and my by an assistant in 1521, in the 2. heart is in your hands. Weekend from sup- church of Santa Maria Sopra JUNE 4-6 per July 16 to lunch 18 Minerva in Rome. Mgr Paul Nadal: “Jesus Christ II” Risen and The figure shows Christ’s conquest over Personally guided retreats may be arranged at any time suffering and death. throughout the year to suit individual need. PHOTO: NANCY WIECHEC, CNS For Bookings: Reception: 031 700 2155 Cellphones: Fr Urs Fischer 031 700 2890 083 9633848 Fr Urs Fischer Fax 031 700 2738 083 5441504 Bro Crispin 082 7307180 Mrs N Qupa Email: [email protected] Advertising The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 1111 1212 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 COMMUNITY

PAYING TRIBUTE: Theo Adams in front of the statue of the CATHOLIC CULTURE: The Pietermaritzburg branch of the KwaZulu-Natal Catholic Blessed Virgin at St Theresa’s University held a cultural Mass which more than 100 students from all over Africa parish in Welcome Estate, Cape attended. RELAXING GETAWAY: The Empangeni branch of the Catholic Women’s Town, soon after the statue was SUBMITTED BY FR NORONHA AQUIN League enjoyed a relaxing few days at the sea resort village of Mtunzini. completed. PHOTO: THERESA LOUW IN FOCUS Edited by Nadine Christians Send photographs, with sender’s name and address on the back, and a SASE to: The Southern Cross, Community Pics, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 or email VALLEY VIEW TRAVEL them to: [email protected]

NEW FOR 2010 8-19 October IN THE MASTER’S FOOTSTEPS PILGRIMAGE To the Holy sites in Israel as well as Cairo & Mt Sinai R17 347 ************ Organised by Maureen Brainers Spiritual Director Rev. Max Salsone Tel: (031) 266 7702 Fax: (031) 266 8982 Email: [email protected] A list of current pilgrimages can be viewed by clicking on the Valley View Travel icon at www.catholic-friends.com

Is God FOR CHILDREN calling you

THE LION STORY- to the SINGING TO THE HEAVENS: Members of the St Joseph’s Marist College TELLER EASTER foundation and intermediate phase choirs enjoyed a fun moment with the BOOK Bob Hartman Religious Three Tons of Fun divas, Dorothy Engelbrecht, Stella Magaba and Lillian 23 memorable short sto- Khumalo. Pictured with the divas are choir members Lebuhang Gqotso, ries for children— Life in the Sethu Luthuli, Odwa Bukani, Wanda Bassie, Neo Carolissen, Marzia Barry share in the excitement and Zoë Leeuwendaal. of the day Jesus rode Franciscan SUBMITTED BY SHERYL GELDERBLOEM into Jerusalem on a don- key to the joy of his Family? St Francis friends on the first East- er morning and more! We Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 2005 pb 96pp R79.95 Conception strengthen our relationship with God by prayer in SIX DECADES: A PRAYING WITH THE order to serve Him and His people. We work special thanksgiving FIRST CHRISTIANS with all age-groups and where the Church Mass was celebrat- Juliette Levivier Children ed for Mijo and aged 5 - 8 can pray with needs us. Bernard Dufour for Ss Stephen and Barn- If you wish to know more about us, contact: their 60th wedding abas, St Monica and her The Vocations Directress at anniversary. They son St Augustine and are parishioners at Box 2912, Middel- Box 818, St Francis of Assisi many others 2008 colour burg, 1050. Tel Hazyview, 1242. illus hc 44pp R103.00 or in Standerton. (013) 243 3410, 072 Tel (013) 737 0088, SUBMITTED BY ANSELM THE STORY OF EAST- 213 4671 076 514 5411 NJOKU ER Illustrated board book for younger chil- dren R45.00 PICTURE BOOK OF PRAYERS Lawrence Lovasik A variety of prayers—Our Father, Hail Mary, Sign of the cross, Going out to play, My home, Sunday Bless- ings, Good Friday, Pen- tecost, God the Creator, and more! 1994 hc colour illus 56pp R75.00 THE LION BOOK OF PRAYERS TO READ & KNOW Sophie Piper & Anthony Lewis A thoughtful and sin- cere collection of prayers to read and prayers to know by heart, attractively illus- trated for 9-11’s 2009 colour illus hc 95pp R109.95 PLANNING TOGETHER: The Mthatha Diocesan Animation Team (DAT) 14 Tuin Plein attended a workshop and prayer session at Port St Johns parish. The work- PO Box 379 shop was facilitated by Fr Gabriel Afagbegee SVD from the Lumko Insitute in 8000, Cape Town Johannesburg, and included the evaluation and planning of DAT Tel(021) 465-5904 ministries. Fax (021) 461-0785 SUBMITTED BY FRANCIS NGADI e-mail: [email protected] BOOK REVIEWS The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 1313 The Christian struggle for justice FREE SUBSCRIPTION JOURNEYING FOR JUSTICE: became a thorn in the side of the Stories for an Ongoing Faith- security forces in the days of the to our weekly e-mail newsletter based Struggle. Jive Media, “total onslaught”, and it suffered Pietermaritzburg. 2009. 144pp. much harassment. Peter Kerchoff Sign up for the Reviewed by Chris Chatteris SJ himself was detained in 1986, and some members paid the ulti- HIS attractively produced and illustrated book mate price, most notably peace recounts the 30-year history monitor S’khumbuzo Mbatha, T who was assassinated after a of the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Christian Social Awareness PACSA workshop on February 8, @ (PACSA), a small, ecumenical 1992. www.scross.co.za After 1994, PACSA sought a NGO dedicated to the struggle and receive every week the for social justice. new direction for itself. Peter Ker- Small but always punching choff’s dictum, “It’s not the new week’s headlines, fascinating well above its weight, PACSA South Africa, it’s the real South links, the Letter from the Vatican played a key role in the Natal Africa”, expressed the organisa- and the Saint of the Week in Midlands during the transition tion’s sober assessment of the your e-mail inbox FREE to democracy. As a young priest new situation. There was much throw a spotlight on forced in Elandskop from 1985-92, I can yet to do—in monitoring future removals by documenting the testify to PACSA’s effectiveness elections, in the fight for gender plight of the people of KwaPitela, in standing for the truth, and I equality, in combating the “new who had been banished to a recall its support with gratitude. apartheid” of poverty and Aids, The key figure in PACSA’s his- bleak and remote place with the and in countering xenophobia. NEW AUTHORS! Orwellian name of Compensa- tory was Peter Kerchoff, after As a study in how an NGO tion Farm. In word and in photo- whom a street has been named adapts after successful radical image, PACSA exposed the suf- in Pietermaritzburg and to whose change, this book makes very fering of this community. memory a mosaic portraying interesting reading, and also in Since these early courageous DO YOU HAVE A him as the Good Samaritan was how an organisation survives the beginnings it has never flinched created outside the Anglican departure of its founder member, from telling the truth. Reliable cathedral by Dina Cormick. A for Peter Kerchoff was tragically BOOK TO PUBLISH? married man with four children, information was an important weapon, which PACSA gathered killed in a car accident in 1999. he quit his job as the chief This is a beautiful book, chemist for the aluminium com- through a local ecumenical net- Independent UK publisher now seeking new manuscripts work. evocatively illustrated with press pany Alcan in 1978 to become photographs, maps, artwork, car- in all subjects, including fiction, biography, historical, PACSA’s organising secretary. toons and symbols. It is a “demo- Peter and his wife Joan set up n its factsheets and agape-based academic, religion and poetry. liturgies, PACSA’s initial aim cratic” book, in which much an office in a room in their back- I space is given to moving quota- yard with little more than an old was to challenge white South Africans to take the social gospel tions from ordinary people and For a free appraisal please send your work to typewriter. They approached PACSA’s workers. Archbishop Denis Hurley of Dur- seriously in the raw context of There appears to be no single ban for funds, and his good what turned out to be the dying author or editor. The collective MELROSE BOOKS offices brought them their first days of apartheid. At the time, of overseas financial support, from course, there was no guarantee and inclusive production the German Catholic funding that apartheid’s days were num- method portrays the organisa- (ref: SC) St Thomas’ Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4GG, UK agency Misereor. bered. The state of emergency in tion’s underlying community- It was from these mustard- 1986 suggested otherwise. This, based values. seed beginnings that the organi- however, did not deter the grow- Journeying for Justice is a nour- Tel: +44 (0) 1353 646 608 Fax: +44 (0) 1353 646 602 sation began and, as one contrib- ing number of PACSA members, ishing blend of local history, lib- utor remarks, at the time the task black and white, who expanded eration theology and spirituality Email: [email protected] Web:www.melrosebooks.co.uk before them was “almost laugh- their activities into ever greater in action. able in its enormity”. areas of need.  The book is available from PACSA’s first project was to The well-informed PACSA www.clusterpublications.co.za The roots of the ‘liturgy wars’ A CHALLENGING REFORM: struggle between these two bod- Realizing the Vision of the ies and how sometimes the bat- Liturgical Renewal 1963 – tle was won by the Consilium 1975, by Archbishop Piero and sometimes by the Congrega- Marini (edited by Mark R Fran- tion of Rites. cis CSV, John R. Page, Keith F. Eventually both structures Pecklers SJ). Liturgical Press, were scrapped in 1972 and Collegeville, Minnesota. 2007. replaced by one body, known as 205pp the Congregation for Divine Reviewed by Paddy Kearney Worship. This time the tension was not between two bodies but HE author of this scholarly within one because Paul VI used study, Archbishop Piero what was apparently a favourite Marini, was Papal Master of T strategy, appointing a conserva- Ceremonies from 1987 to 2007. I had the pleasure of interviewing tive president (Archbishop James him in his Vatican office during Robert Knox of Melbourne) and that time, and seeing the spec- a progressive secretary (Annibale tacular view he had of St Peter’s Bugnini), hoping that would sat- Square. He must have often isfy both conservatives and pro- looked down into that square as gressives. More often it led to a he choreographed splendid out- kind of paralysis. In this case, door liturgical celebrations dur- after Bugnini found himself ing John Paul II’s pontificate. 2 147 votes, with only four increasingly marginalised, he Piero Marini is of course not opposed, according to Archbish- gave up the unequal struggle. to be confused with another op Marini “the more traditional- Piero Marini, who was Bugni- Marini, his successor as papal ist members of the curia would ni’s secretary for several years, is MC, Mgr Guido Marini. Not try to circumvent the process of well placed to tell the inside only are they not related, but implementation by opposing story. But what he has produced, though meticulously researched KRUGER PARK they appear to have little in real liturgical change and main- common. taining the status quo”, a stance and accurate, is not exactly a Archbishop Piero is steeped in resoundingly rejected by the “page turner”—more like a text Vatican II theology and liturgical council. book for advanced liturgical VIVA SAFARIS reform, while his namesake is studies. The reader needs to be (Member of SATSA) part of the move to turn the ope Paul VI who knew very well versed in Latin because of clock back, introducing a much Pwell what obstacles there the numerous untranslated quo- SCHEDULED DAILY SAFARIS TO KRUGER PARK more extensive use of Latin in would be in the path of thor- tations and titles of documents, the liturgy, going into the “Vati- ough reform, instituted a new and to have a taste for regurgi- Fly-in and overland tours. See www.vivasafaris.com can attic” to bring out vestments structure known as the Consili- tated minutiae of innumerable of an age when lace was all the um to ensure that Sacrosanctum meetings. rage, re-instating kneeling for Concilium would be implemented If one manages, with Gandhi- Viva Safaris is engaged with Communion on the tongue, and despite stiff opposition. He an self-discipline, to cut a swathe so on. placed the Consilium under the through dense thickets of detail, 4 projects aimed at the upliftment Already at the time of my presidency of the ardent one will emerge with important interview in 2005, Piero Marini reformer, Cardinal Giacomo Ler- insights that will help in under- of the Acornhoek community, made the telling remark about caro of Bologna, with another standing the liturgical wars cur- the state of liturgical reform: notable progressive, Fr Annibale rently raging, for example about including the COMBONI “We are in a time of difficulties.” Bugnini, as its highly efficient the new English text for the The roots of those difficulties and effective secretary. Pope Paul Mass. MISSIONARIES’ OUTSTATION are the subject of this book gave them his full backing, but It’s clear that the Roman curia which documents the great was not always able to counter is now calling the liturgical shots Father Xico with partially struggle from 1963-75 to imple- resistance from the Sacred Con- almost without opposition. In www.volunteersafaris.co.za completed church building ment the Vatican II vision of a gregation of Rites which was dis- this era, Archbishop Marini’s reformed liturgy. Though the tinctly unhappy that it had been role is limited to organising 082 450 9930 Trevor decree on liturgy (Sacrosanctum side-lined in the process. eucharistic congresses and writ- Reservations: Concilium) had been passed by This book recounts the power ing books. 082 444 7654 Piero 082 506 9641 Anthony 1414 The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 CHURCH First ever African-American priest may become a saint His parents, Peter and Martha ordained on April 24, 1886, in The United States’ first black Tolton, were married in a Catholic Rome’s St John Lateran basilica. diocesan priest was born into ceremony. The couple had two College officials felt he should slavery and faced much sons and a daughter. be a missionary in his own coun- During the American Civil War try, not in Africa. racism before and after his in the 1860s, Peter Tolton escaped ordination. Now the archdio- to St Louis to serve in the Union Army. Shortly afterwards, when ather Tolton was uneasy about cese of Chicago has opened Augustine was 9, Martha Tolton Freturning to the US, knowing his sainthood cause, as bundled up her three children and the racism he would face. But he escaped across the Mississippi returned to Quincy, celebrating JOYCE DURIGA and River and hiked to Quincy, Illi- his first Mass on July 18, 1886, at DANIEL SMITH report nois, a sanctuary for runaway St Boniface church. He was named slaves. After the war ended, pastor of St Joseph church, a black Martha learned her husband had parish affiliated with St Boniface. ATHER Augustine Tolton was died soon after his arrival in St Racism and anti-Catholicism the first priest in the United Louis. hindered his ministry in Quincy. States of African descent—and F In Quincy, Martha and her He asked his superiors if he could he may one day be canonised a sons began working in a cigar fac- accept an invitation from arch- saint. tory. They attended Mass at St bishop Patrick Feehan in Chicago The archdiocese of Chicago is Boniface church with other black to minister to black Catholics introducing the priest’s cause for Catholics. Augustine attended St there. His appeal was granted in canonisation. Boniface School for a brief time, December 1889. “It is appropriate that, during then went to public school. By all accounts Fr Tolton this Year for Priests, we recall our Later he went to school at St worked tirelessly for his congrega- forebears who were holy men in Peter’s parish, where he became tion in Chicago, even to the point the presbyterate” of the archdio- an altar server and began to feel of exhaustion. On July 9, 1897, he cese, Cardinal Francis George of he had a vocation to the priest- died of heat stroke while returning Chicago told the Catholic New hood. Franciscan Father Peter from a priests’ retreat. He was 43. World, the archdiocesan newspa- McGirr, St Peter’s pastor, encour- Chicago’s Auxiliary Bishop per. aged his vocation, though there Joseph Perry is organising Fr “First of all, saints intercede,” would be many roadblocks to Tolton’s cause for the archdiocese. he said. “We need his prayers and ordination. He said he is now poring through his help, especially to become a archival material to prepare a Fr Augustine Tolton was born into slavery in Missouri and ordained a According to From Slave to priest in Rome in 1886. The canonisation cause of Fr Tolton, the first US more united Church. Secondly, report about his life that will go to Priest, no US seminary would diocesan priest of African descent, was opened in Chicago in March. his example of priestly dedication, accept him. Neither would the Cardinal George and then on to PHOTO: ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO ARCHIVES AND RECORDS CENTER his learning and preaching, are Franciscans or the Josephites. the Congregation for Saints’ Caus- great examples for our seminari- Meanwhile, several local priests es at the Vatican. ans and priests and should inspire educated Augustine for the semi- In Fr Tolton’s case, this will be the laity.” nary. termed an “ancient” cause because together a holy card with a prayer Catholics because he represents Fr Tolton was born into slavery Years later he was accepted to there are no living witnesses to that God intervene on behalf of Fr the highest ideal they wish to see in Brush Creek, Missouri, accord- the Pontifical College of the Prop- the candidate’s life and all Tolton’s cause that will be distrib- in priests, Bishop Perry said. ing to From Slave to Priest, a biogra- agation of the Faith in Rome, research comes after the fact, Bish- uted throughout the archdiocese. “His quiet witness is a chal- phy of the priest by Sr Caroline which trained seminarians for op Perry explained, but he thinks “We are trying to find out what lenge to our prejudices and nar- Hemesath, a member of the Con- ordination and missionary work there will be “enough material for devotion to Fr Tolton exists,” the row-mindedness that keeps us gregation of the Sisters of the Holy around the world. After six years Rome’s initial examination”. bishop said. insulated from the variety in the Family. of study there, Augustine was Bishop Perry’s office is putting Fr Tolton is an example for all kingdom of God,” he said.

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH

Divine Mercy Novena and Feast Good Friday 2nd April after 3.00pm Service Holy Saturday 3rd April 08.00am Easter Sunday 4th April 11.15am Monday 5th April 08.15am Tuesday 6th April 06.30pm Wednesday 7th April 7.00pm Thursday 8th April 7.00pm Friday 9th April 6.30pm Saturday 10th April10.15am Feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday 11th April Holy Hour 2.00pm Mass 3.00pm

Contact: Fr Susaikannu Esack and Fr Michael Clement 2 Clare Road, Wynberg/Wittebome 7800 Tel: 021 761 3337 Fax: 021 761 3388

e-mail: [email protected] website: www.ursulines.org The Southern Cross, March 31 to April 6, 2010 1155 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Thoughts for the CALENDARCALENDAR Week on the Family Classified Advertising

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2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C (Apr 11) Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118:2- 4.22-27a; Revelation 1:9-13.17-19; How does the resurrection strike you? John 19-31 ary who dictates this remarkable text. Like through locked doors. He wishes them E are into the Easter season now, the psalmist, he is well acquainted with “Peace”, and proves his identity by show- and it is important to examine trouble, for he describes himself to his ing them “his hands and his side”, at Whow we are to respond to the Res- Fr Nicholas King SJ hearers as “your brother and partner in which “the disciples rejoiced, having seen urrection, the heart of our faith. Scriptural suffering and in kingdom, and in endur- the Lord”. The peace greeting is repeated, In the readings for next Sunday, we ing in Jesus”. followed by a sending, and a “breathing find a variety of possible responses. In the Reflections He is an exile, we learn, on the island on” them, which is described as “receive first reading, from Acts of the Apostles, of Patmos, and is reporting the vision he the Holy Spirit”, along with an instruction which we shall follow on Sundays “[God]’s love is forever”. Then we leap had on “the Lord’s day”, presumably Sun- about forgiving and holding on to sins. throughout the Easter season, we have ahead, to the line: “The stone the builders day. The vision is hard to pin down: it is In the second part we discover that one of the “summaries” in which Luke rejected has become the cornerstone”, and “like the sound of a trumpet”, and “seven Thomas, who is more of a character in this specialises, painting a picture with a broad we cannot help reading this as a reference golden lampstands”, within which he fourth gospel than in the others, was not brush. to what happened to Jesus. God is in beholds “one like a Son of Man”, at which present for Part 1. The other disciples We read that God, through the apos- charge, however, and so we sing: “This is he prostrates himself. But he is told: “Do gloat, and Thomas is driven to a brutally tles, brought about “many signs and por- the day the Lord made; let us rejoice in it not be afraid: I am the First and the Last, crude demand for evidence: “Unless I see tents among the people”, that outsiders and be glad!” and the Living One, I was a corpse, and in his hand the mark of the nails, and were scared to join them, but that “the But we also sing “Hosanna” (“Save us, look! I am living forever, and I hold the thrust my finger into the mark of the nails people held them in high esteem”, and at please!”), meaning that we realise our joy keys of Death and of Hell.” Notice how and my hand into his side, no way am I the same time “believers in the Lord grew cannot be naïve, before reverting to the death is part of resurrection, even in this going to believe.” in number, crowds of men and women”, joyous acclamation of Christ’s coming: vision, which John is then instructed to Eight days later, he gets his wish; we and healings and exorcisms went on “Blessed is the one who comes in the write down. are not told whether he actually inserts apace. Lord’s name…the Lord is God; he has The gospel reading is always the his hand or finger. Instead, he goes way The psalm remind us that resurrection given us light”. same on the second Sunday of Easter. Like beyond the evidence and breathlessly pro- also implies crucifixion; it is the hymn In the second reading we start the the other readings for the day, it recognis- claims in the climax of John’s Gospel: they sang when Jesus made his fateful reading from the Book of Revelation that es that things are not as simple as we “My Lord and my God!” entry into Jerusalem on the back of a don- will accompany our journey through the might wish. The story is told in two parts. What is your reaction to the Resurrec- key. The first few verses have the refrain: Easter season. We meet “John” the vision- In the first, Jesus appears to the disciples tion, this week? Believing beyond seeing Southern Crossword #384 ANKIND’S propensity to believe into the mountains on hold and drive in perception rather than truth into Annecy to buy some insurance Mnever ceases to amaze me. cover. Certainly, the media and communica- Chris Moerdyk The manager of the insurance agency tions industries are frequent victims to listened to what I had in mind and perception playing a far more powerful The Last smirked that particularly Gallic smirk role than facts. The advertising industry reserved for Anglophones who try to give has long homed in on this anomaly by Word the impression that they were born and using perception as a way of managing bred in France. the attention of consumers. Politicians, Before giving me an estimate of what of south-eastern France, not far from especially in this country, seem to have the premium would be, he told me I Annecy and about an hour’s drive from no idea of the power of perception. would have to go to my nearest police Geneva. At the end of our valley was the Market research is a wonderful business station and get from them statistics of chateau in which St Bernard of dog fame tool, but sometimes opportunity arises out housebreaking and theft in my village. was born. of perception rather than the cold hard Quite clever! facts that are born out of reality. I popped in to my local gendarmerie he first thing I noticed about the This is so particularly concerning mar- and was assured I would have the infor- house I rented in a five-hectare mead- keting services, such as short term insur- T mation within days. Two days later I ance. ow just outside the village was that the went back and didn’t even manage to get Whoa! Hang on—don’t turn the page! doors sported myriad locks, deadbolts through the door when an excited gen- This isn’t going to be an article on how and security chains. The windows all had darme came bolting out, waving a piece to buy that necessary evil steel shutters. Strange indeed for a place of paper. i*n*s*u*r*a*n*c*e (heaven forbid I should that on the face of it was the epitome of “I’ve found it, I’ve found it,” he ACROSS DOWN completely ruin your Sunday). idyllic peace. exclaimed. “Found what?” I asked. 1.White lies (4) 1. And maybe shivered No, it’s all about management of per- Either the inhabitants of that part of “A case of house-breaking in your vil- 3. Lady mops around Old (4,4) Testament hymns (8) 2. Aromatic plant for the ceptions. The dreaded I-word is coinci- France were unaware that World War II lage…it was on June 24, 1765.” dental, trust me. had been over for 30 years, or house- 9. Town of the Little saint (5) I didn’t bother to go back to the insur- Flower (7) 4. So, next old sacristan About 30 years ago I was fortunate breaking was a popular regional sporting ance agent, but phoned him instead. activity. 10. Recognised (5) (6) enough to spend a couple of years in “Forget the insurance—there hasn’t been 11. He works in associa- 5. How the male religious Europe doing a lot of skiing and the occa- The intensity with which my landlord a single case of housebreaking in my vil- tion (12) might treat you? (4,1,7) sional bit of research into international insisted that windows and doors be lage for the past 212 years. I’ll take my 13. They own lands in 6. Giving off a smell (7) trading. Having had city life in chunks, I locked at night and when leaving the chances, thanks.” the Highlands (6) 7. Are they desires for chose as a base of operations the tiny vil- house empty, for even a minute or two, The place was peacefully idyllic, after 15. I was in... and you money in Japan? (4) lage of Dingy-St Clair in the mountains prompted me to put my first skiing sortie came to see me (Mt 25) 8. They sang at the Nativ- all. So why the locks, bolts and steel shut- (6) ity (6,6) ters? I asked the local bistro owner, a 17. They’re of prime 12. Stains on the scribe’s CONRAD Swiss who had married a local girl. importance to architects fingers (8) He laughed: “Oh don’t take any notice (12) 14. In the convent and in of that; it’s all because of television.” 20. Row of bushes at good shape (2,5) Apparently the locals avidly watched church edge (5) 16. Nativity scene in the all the American cops-and-robbers pro- 21. Eastern co-heir mixed nursery (6) grammes on TV, which scared the day- up saying goodbye (7) 18. She’s mostly in hospi- lights out of them. They believed that if 22. Has spire in church tal (5) regions (8) 19. One off the old block that kind of crime could happen in 23. Looks at dioceses (4) (4) America, it could happen anywhere. After all, McDonald’s had come from America SOLUTIONS TO #383. ACROSS: 3 Chock-full, 8 Agog, 9 Converted, 10 Enfold, 11 Anger, 14 Oscar, 15 Sion, 16 Ethos, 18 Eras, 20 Their, and proliferated at an astonishing rate, so 21 Nomad, 24 Clinic, 25 Principal, 26 Flee, 27 Pertinent. DOWN: 1 why not crime? Latecomer, 2 Confucian, 4 Hood, 5 Coven, 6 Furies, 7 Lies, 9 Clare, 11 Ached, 12 River Nile, 13 Unfrocked, 17 Still, 19 Sonnet, 22 Alien, Now, the insurance agent had shown 23 True, 24 Cain. a laudable streak of honesty by suggest- ing I get police crime statistics. But was he being a good businessman? If it was the perception of the local population that they needed protection, and if insur- CHURCH CHUCKLE ance would have given them even more peace of mind than the locks, bolts and NE of the oppossums was St Matthew, who shutters, wasn’t he entitled to make an Owas also a taximan. St Paul cavorted to Chris- honest killing instead of putting them tianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is off? another name for marriage. Is making a mint out of perceptions From examination reply papers of a good management or bad business? Catholic primary school. More to come! Of course, if that had been any big “Could this be the eternal battle between light and darkness?” city in South Africa in 2010, I know Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to exactly what would have happened. The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.